Suzuki Launches Extended Small Capacity Lineup in Milan
Suzuki has further extended its small capacity model lineup for 2017, with four new machines unveiled today at Eicma, Milan, taking Suzuki’s total number of new models for the new year to 12.
Following the announcement of Suzuki’s flagship GSX-R1000R at Intermot, Eicma saw the Japanese manufacturer strengthen its offerings in the small capacity sector of the market, with a new V-Strom 250, GSX-S125, GSX250R, and Burgman 400 joining the newly unveiled GSX-R125 in the brand’s expanding sub-400cc range.
V-Strom 250
Suzuki’s V-Strom range has been combining two-wheeled practicality, style, and excitement since the introduction of the original V-Strom 1000 in 2002. With both a new V-Strom 1000 and V-Strom 650 debuted at Intermot – as well as XT variants of both popular adventure machines – Suzuki has further expanded its V-Strom stable for 2017, with the introduction of a new 250 model that brings all of those qualities to a broader range of riders.
A redesigned version of Suzuki’s 248cc parallel twin engine powers the new V-Strom 250, with a particular focus on the engine’s low and midrange torque giving the new adventure-styled machine 23.4Nm of torque at 6,500rpm. The punchy twin-cylinder power-plant revs on to produce peak power of 25PS at 8,000rpm.
Information is displayed to the rider on a reverse-lit LCD instrument panel, and includes information such as speedo, rev counter, gear position indicator, and fuel range, and sits inside a compact screen that has been extensively wind tunnel tested for optimised weather protection.
Similar to the bigger V-Strom 1000 and V-Strom 650 models, the V-Strom 250 benefits from an integrated luggage system that removes the requirement for an additional rack for the fitment of Suzuki’s genuine side cases. An additional top box is also available from Suzuki’s accessory range.
The V-Strom 250’s styling takes design cues from its larger siblings, with the beak design and the yellow colour option paying homage to Suzuki’s iconic DR-Z Dakar racer and current championship-winning RM-Z motocross range.
Forecasted arrival of the V-Strom 250 in UK dealerships is in the summer.
GSX250R
Further enhancing Suzuki’s range of A2 licence-friendly machines is the GSX250R, which combines sharp, sporty looks and nimble performance with comfortable ergonomics, and is as at home cutting through city traffic as it is taking the long way home on twisty B-roads.
Designed to give the best performance in the low to midrange, the GSX250R produces 23.4Nm of torque at 6,500rpm, with peak power 25PS at 8,000rpm. Intake valves are designed to optimise airflow into the combustion chamber, improving performance and reducing emissions to help meet stringent Euro4 regulation, while a new two-into-one exhaust enhances performance in the midrange.
Clip-on handlebars give a direct, sporty, yet comfortable ride, which matches the GSX250R’s design as a sporty-styled machine that is equally comfortable on the daily commute or a weekend tour.
The GSX250R is set to arrive in dealerships in late spring.
GSX-S125
Following the unveiling of the all-new GSX-R125 at Intermot, Suzuki is bringing another offering to the popular 125 market with its naked GSX-S125.
Joining the GSX-S family alongside the GSX-S1000 and newly-revealed GSX-S750, the GSX-S125 boasts a class-leading power-to-weight ratio and class-leading acceleration performance, thanks to it’s high performance 125cc engine and 133kg kerb weight – the lightest in its class.
The GSX-S125 uses an advanced fuel injection system and big-bore throttle body for optimised fuel delivery, while a large 4.3 litre air box doesn’t impact the bike’s slim and narrow design while enhancing engine performance.
Agile and nimble handling is achieved with a lightweight chassis design and narrow profile, which also benefit the GSX-S125 when filtering through city traffic.
Suzuki’s easy-start function features, with rider information displayed on a full LCD dash. Like the GSX-R family it shares its DNA with, the GSX-S125 gets a full LED headlight and LED position lights.
The compact but aggressively styled 125 roadster is expected to arrive in the summer.
Burgman 400
Suzuki’s original Burgman 400 pioneered the launch of the maxi-scooter, combining comfort, practicality, and style, with ease of performance. It gained a reputation as a capable commuter and tourer, with plentiful storage capacity for trips into town and weekends away.
For 2017, the new Burgman 400 gets a comprehensive restyling. The new face features sharp LED headlights with integrated LED position lights. A new upswept windscreen design optimises weather protection, a new stepped seat is 20mm thicker to improve rider and pillion comfort, while new grab rails and rear design completes the slimmer, sharper look.
Underneath, the 399cc, single cylinder engine gets a fuel injection system with an O2 feedback system and newly designed catalyser.
Increased frame rigidity improves cornering performance and stability, helped by slimmer, lighter bodywork. A lighter ABS unit saves 750g over the outgoing model. Handling performance is also enhanced with a new 15-inch front wheel that improves stability while still providing agile handling. 41mm telescopic front forks pair with a link-type monoshock rear suspension with seven-way adjustable preload, unique in the maxi-scooter class.
Practicality comes from 42 litres of under-seat storage, while two compartments at the front provide a combined 6.3 litre storage space. There’s also a 12V DC outlet.
A ‘chain lock gate’ allows riders to secure the Burgman 400 when parked by passing a chain through a gap in the bodywork and around the frame, before fastening to a ground anchor or other immovable object. The rear brake can also be locked on, and Suzuki’s Advanced Immobiliser System (SAIS) uses an electronic identification system in the owner’s key to prevent potential thieves from starting the engine. A magnetic cover that opens only for the owner’s key protects the ignition switch for added security.
The 2017 Burgman 400 is set to appear in dealerships late in the spring
